Renowned Global Health and AI Leader Dr. Alireza Haghighi Appointed Principal Advisor

Waldwick, New Jersey and Dubai, UAE — January 15, 2025 — Kallman Worldwide is proud to announce that Professor Alireza Haghighi, M.D., D.Phil., FACMG, an internationally recognized clinician, scientist, and geneticist, has joined the Celebration of Healthcare Heroes event as the principal advisor. Dr. Haghighi’s appointment brings independent clinical and scientific credibility to the initiative and reinforces its mission to honor frontline professionals shaping the future of patient care.

Dr. Haghighi is the Chief Executive and Founding Director of the Harvard International Center for Genetic Disease and a renowned authority on major national genomics programs, serving as Principal Investigator of the Bahrain National Genome Program. He is widely recognized for advancing genomic medicine and artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide to improve health outcomes and regularly advises global government and healthcare leadership on innovation and health policies. His trailblazing work has earned prestigious honors, including the Global Health Pioneer Award, the International Genetic Disorders Prevention Award, and Harvard Harold Amos Award. 

Set to take place on the opening night of WHX Dubai on the spectacular Al Wasl Plaza stage, the Celebration of Healthcare Heroes will recognize exemplary Emirati healthcare professionals and institutions whose dedication and impact have significantly advanced patient outcomes and community well-being. The initiative aims to inspire Emirati youth to pursue careers in healthcare and life sciences and is positioned as a premier event for the healthcare community.

The Celebration is hosted by Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the USA Partnership Pavilion at WHX Dubai for the past 31 years. Tom Kallman, President & CEO of Kallman Worldwide, commented:

“It is particularly special for me to have Prof. Haghighi involved in this initiative. It was his panel discussion last year — alongside Prof. Shahrukh Hashmi, Director of Research at the Abu Dhabi Department of Health —  that inspired this event. His perspective made it clear that while technology is transforming healthcare, it is people — and their stories — who inspire the next generation.”

Dr. Haghighi has consistently emphasized the importance of pairing technological innovation with human inspiration. “The next generation needs role models who can inspire them to pursue careers in healthcare. The stories we share — of challenge, purpose, possibility, and success — are what inspire the next generation to believe in what they can become.” he remarked, highlighting how role models can provide a catalyst for young people to follow their dreams. His leadership and vision continue to motivate cross-sector conversations about AI’s transformative potential in healthcare and precision medicine. “Bold vision and leadership can reshape history. I am delighted to contribute to this initiative and to support the country’s youth, helping redefine what’s possible in medicine for generations to come.”

The Celebration of Healthcare Heroes is a reminder that the true heroes among us are those who dedicate their lives to improving the welfare of others, and that with passion and ambition, anything is possible.

About The Celebration of Healthcare Heroes

As the healthcare world comes together for WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health), Kallman Worldwide will host an extraordinary event: the Celebration of Healthcare Heroes to honor the UAE’s most inspiring role models in the presence of high-school students from around the country.

The evening will highlight real people with powerful stories that ignite passion, shape ambition, and remind us that there is a hero within each of us — and a profession we proudly call home.

Under the lights of the iconic Al Wasl Plaza dome, this celebration will be one of WHX Dubai 2026’s most inspiring gatherings. Healthcare's most inspiring heroes, hundreds of industry leaders, local and regional VIPs - all coming together to help build a better future. The event is set to take place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM, just steps from the Dubai Exhibition Centre where WHX will be held.

Changing tomorrow starts by celebrating the heroes who are saving lives today.

About Prof. Haghighi

Professor Alireza Haghighi is a Pioneering leader transforming global health through groundbreaking advancements in genomics and AI. He is the Chief Executive and Director of the Harvard International Center for Genetic Disease. He is internationally recognized for his leadership in projects aimed at improving health and well-being worldwide. Dr. Haghighi regularly advises government leaders on national health policies and initiatives.

He is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Bahrain Genome Program at Harvard and also the Founding President of the Advancement Initiative for Medicine and Science (AIMS), a global foundation dedicated to uniting academics and physicians to advance medical science and healthcare globally.

Dr. Haghighi has received numerous prestigious awards and prizes, including the Global Health Pioneer Award for his innovative strategies and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the quality of life, and the International Genetic Disorders Prevention Award for excellence in genetic research.

Dr. Haghighi is an American board-certified geneticist. He completed his graduate and clinical training at the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School.